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permanency planning

Research that explores the pathways and decision-making processes through the care and court systems in Scotland for 100 looked after children from the point they were first identified as at risk, to the point of adoption or permanence.

Information was obtained from records held by Scottish Children’s Reporter Administration (SCRA) teams and Sheriff Courts across Scotland. All cases had been dealt with under the Adoption (Scotland) Act 1978.

The children's hearings system, Scotland's unique system of juvenile justice, commenced operating on 15 April 1971. The system is centred on the welfare of the child. A fundamental principle is that the needs of the child should be the key test and that children who offend and children who are in need of care and protection should be dealt with in the same system. Cases relating to children who may require compulsory measures of intervention are considered by an independent panel of trained lay people.